New Member Webinar Series: Tools & Resources
2025-08-07 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
New Member Webinar Series: Tools & Resources

Thursday, August 7, 2025 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET

Register Today!

Join us for an engaging session highlighting ACUAs Tools and Resources.

During this session, you will hear from 3 ACUA Committee members who will talk about their respective committees and share insights and provide practical, valuable information you can use in your day-to-day audits.

Joanna Rojas, Director of Communications Committee, will discuss the refresh of ACUA Connect. Kristy Heffley, Director of the Kick Starters Committee, will discuss Kick Starters and provide an update on new kick starters to come. Will Hancock, liaison for the Tools and Resources Committee, will provide an overview of the Risk Dictionary and Resource Library and walkthrough ACUAs Tools & Resources website.

In the second half of the webinar, we will open the floor for questions—providing a chance for members to ask questions, share perspectives, and learn how to make the most of ACUA Tools & Resources.

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to…

Learn how to make the most of ACUA Tools & Resources

Learn where to look for valuable information to assist in audits (kickstarters, risk dictionary, etc)

Delivery Method: Group InternetField of Study: Specialized KnowledgeAdvance Preparation: NonePrerequisites are required: NoCost: Free for members; members onlyRecommended CPEs: 0

Moderator Information

Will Hancock

Audit Manager

Will Hancock is an Audit Manager in the Auburn University Office of Audit, Compliance & Privacy. He joined Auburn in 2005 after working for Deloitte & Touche LLP and the State of Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury.

Will has been an active member of ACUA since 2005 and a dedicated volunteer for many years. He currently serves as a Board Member-at-Large and acts as the liaison for both the Tools and Resources Committee and the Recognition Committee. His previous leadership roles include serving as the Midyear Conference Director (2017–2019) and the Membership Committee Chair (2021–2023). He has also contributed to the Fraud Best Practices Committee and was part of the third cohort of the ACUA Leads! leadership program (2014–2015). In addition to his committee work, Will has served as an ACUA mentor and has presented at multiple ACUA conferences.

Kristy Heffley

Senior Auditor

Kristy Heffley, CIA, began her internal audit career at the University at Buffalo in New York State’s public higher education system in 2018 and currently serves as a Senior Internal Auditor. In this role, she conducts risk-based audits, data analytics, and compliance reviews across the university. Her earlier experience includes positions in IT, engineering, and accounting.

Kristy began volunteering with ACUA in 2020 as Resource Library Coordinator, where she helped manage and enhance the organization’s online resource library. In 2023, she joined the Kick Starters, a subcommittee of the Tools and Resources Committee, first as Coordinator and now as Director. In this role, she feels fortunate to play a part in how ACUA members share expertise with other members – through the monthly publication of tools specifically designed to support audits in higher education. Through her volunteer work, Kristy has contributed to knowledge sharing, collaboration, and the promotion of best practices in the internal audit community.

Joanna Rojas

Audit Director

Joanna Rojas is the University Audit Director at Duke University’s Office of Audit, Risk, and Compliance. This office provides an independent perspective on governance, risk management, and internal controls for the university, DUMAC, and related entities. Joanna and her team conduct risk-based audits covering financial, operational, compliance, and information technology areas.

Joanna joined the Office of Audit, Risk, and Compliance at Duke in 2008. Prior to this, she gained experience auditing financial and IT processes at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Lowe’s Companies.

She holds a B.A. from Florida State University and an M.B.A. from Florida Gulf Coast University. Joanna is an active member of the Association of College and University Auditors (ACUA), where she currently serves as chair of the communications committee. Additionally, she has served on the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) board and currently serves on the Duke University Federal Credit Union Supervisory Committee.

Auditing Campus Bookstores & Related Operations
2025-08-28 13:00 - 14:00
Auditing Campus Bookstores & Related Operations

Thursday, August 28, 2025 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET

Register Today!

Campus bookstores provide goods and services to students, employees, and the public. They are generally auxiliary units intentioned to make sufficient profits to not only sustain their operations, but often, to help fund other institutional programs. In this task, there are a multitude of risks at play. In this training, we will take a deep dive into financial, operational, regulatory, and information technology risks, as well as provide an unfortunate but true story of how it can all go wrong and what fraud risk factors you can look for in your next bookstore or related operations review.

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to…

Identify related risks.

Evaluate key controls.

Plan and execute related tests and/or data analytics.

Develop related recommendations.

Delivery Method: Group InternetField of Study: AuditingAdvance Preparation: NonePrerequisites are required: NoCost: $25 for non-membersRecommended CPEs: 1

Resources

Download Kickstarter

Host Information

Natalie B. McNish, CFE, CGAP

Director of Internal Audit & Risk Management

Missouri State University

Natalie B. McNish serves as the Director of Internal Audit & Risk Management for Missouri State University and is a well-known presenter for ACUA events.

Grant Jones

Internal Auditor

Missouri State University

Grant Jones serves as an Internal Auditor, but prior to his time in Audit & Risk Management, Grant serves as the Business Operations Manager for the campus bookstore for over 10 years. Together, Grant’s bookstore operations knowledge and their combined auditing experience provide a wealth of information to inform your next audit of a campus bookstore or other related operation.

SPEED E-NETWORKING for AUDITCON ATTENDEES
2025-09-04 14:00 - 15:00
SPEED E-NETWORKING for AUDITCON ATTENDEES

Thursday, September 4, 2025 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET

Register Today!

Are you attending 2025 ACUA AUDITCON? Want to make the most of it by building connections with other fellow attendees in advance?

Join us for a fun, fast-paced Speed e-Networking webinar exclusively designed for ACUA Members. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned veteran, this virtual event is a perfect opportunity to:🔹 Make connections before you even arrive at the conference🔹 Share insights and professional interests🔹 Learn best practices to make your conference a meaningful experience🔹 Hear from seasoned AUDITCON attendees and ACUA volunteers

This virtual round table session will be hosted by Justin Noble, Chief Audit Executive at Virginia Tech. Justin has attended over 20 ACUA conferences and has served as ACUA’s President, a Board Member-at-Large, as the distance education leader, and on numerous committees and taskforces. He continues to serve and currently acts as ACUA’s liaison to NACUBO’s Accounting Principles Council.

Justin will guide you through a series of dynamic breakout sessions—think of it as a professional “meet and greet,” all from the comfort of your office.

Bring your elevator pitch, your curiosity, and your coffee!

Spots are limited—register today and get a head start on your conference networking!

Delivery Method: Group InternetField of Study: AuditingAdvance Preparation: NonePrerequisites are required: NoCost: Free for members; members onlyRecommended CPEs: 0

Moderator Information

Justin Noble

Chief Audit Executive Virginia Tech

Justin is the Chief Audit Executive at Virginia Tech. Justin’s involvement with ACUA began with his first Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon in 2005. Since that time, he has been “hooked” on the ACUA culture and become an ambassador for all the association can do for its members. Between Annual/AuditCon and Midyear/Audit Interactive, Justin has attended well over 20 ACUA conferences. Justin has served as ACUA’s President, a Board Member-at-Large, as the distance education leader, and on numerous committees and taskforces. Justin is a member of the ACUA Faculty and is a frequent speaker. In 2023 Justin was awarded ACUA’s Member Excellence in Service Award. Justin continues to serve and is currently ACUA’s liaison to NACUBO’s Accounting Principles Council.

AuditCon 2025
2025-09-14 12:00 - 2025-09-18 12:00 | Galt House Hotel, 140 N. Fourth Street, Louisville, Kentucky, 40202, United States
AuditCon 2025 is September 14–18, 2025, at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. Join us for AuditCon 2025 —the premier conference designed for higher education auditors. Engage in insightful sessions, collaborate with peers, and explore innovative solutions to elevate your audit practice. This event offers a dynamic environment that blends learning, application, and networking opportunities tailored to the needs of the higher education audit community.

Register Here >>>

AI Roundtable: Using AI for testing
2025-11-06 14:00 - 15:00
AI Roundtable: Using AI for testing

Thursday, November 6, 2025 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET

Register Today!

This interactive roundtable walks through a real-world internal audit case study using AI to accelerate testing and analysis in an executive travel audit. Participants will see how AI can assist with formula generation (e.g., switching from VLOOKUP to XLOOKUP for de-identified datasets), full-population timeliness testing, risk-based sample selection, policy lookups, and workflow validation, while emphasizing verification, data hygiene, and auditor judgment. The session will be highly interactive and attendees are encouraged to share their own experiences using AI in auditing, what worked, what didn’t, the prompts and tools they rely on, and the guardrails they’ve put in place.

Delivery Method: Group InternetField of Study: Specialized KnowledgeAdvance Preparation: NonePrerequisites are required: NoCost: Free for members; members onlyRecommended CPEs: 0

Moderator Information

Mai Konate

Internal AuditorUniversity at Buffalo

I’m an internal auditor with a strong passion for artificial intelligence and data analytics. I specialize in analyzing large datasets using statistical methods and data visualization tools to uncover trends and insights that enhance audit quality. With a bachelor’s degree in Financial Analysis and a master’s in Business Analytics, I strive to integrate AI and data-driven techniques into some audit engagement to elevate efficiency, accuracy, and impact.

The State of Internal Audit in Higher Ed: Insights, Benchmarks & What’s Next
2025-11-12 13:00 - 14:00
The State of Internal Audit in Higher Ed: Insights, Benchmarks & What’s Next

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET

Register Today!

Based on findings from the joint ACUA/Baker Tilly survey of internal audit functions across higher education, this webinar will provide timely insights into the evolving landscape of internal auditing in colleges and universities. Attendees will explore key trends in areas such as internal audit team size and structure, team skill sets, risk coverage strategies, coordination with other risk and compliance functions, alignment with the new Global Internal Audit Standards, and reporting practices to audit committees. Whether you’re leading a mature audit function or building one in a resource-constrained environment, this session will offer practical takeaways to help internal auditors adapt, align with institutional priorities, and maximize their value in a changing higher education environment.

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to…

Assess how internal audit functions are adapting in terms of team size, skill sets, and coverage strategies to meet evolving institutional risks and expectations.

Identify and discuss current trends impacting internal audit practices in higher education, including risk areas such as cybersecurity, compliance, and financial sustainability.

Understand how internal audit functions are evolving to incorporate data analytics, artificial intelligence, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to enhance audit effectiveness and responsiveness.

Delivery Method: Group InternetField of Study: AuditingAdvance Preparation: NonePrerequisites are required: NoCost: $25 for non-membersRecommended CPEs: 1

Resources

Host Information

Ashley Deihr, CPA, CIA, CFE

Principal

Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP

Ashley is a principal in Baker Tilly’s higher education industry practice. With over 20 years of experience, Ashley assists universities to understand, manage, and mitigate risk through collaborative, innovative internal audit and risk advisory services. Her teams drive strategic, financial, and student success at higher education institutions through strategic and enterprise risk assessments, internal audit and compliance reviews and investigations and business process reviews. She has assisted institutions in developing and reengineering infrastructures, governance practices, internal controls and business processes to mitigate risk and enhance efficiency, effectiveness and compliance in such areas as budgeting and resource management, financial management and reporting, sponsored research administration, compliance governance, student support and wellbeing and international operations.

Mike Cullen, CISA, CISSP, CIPP/US, CCP

Principal

Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP

Mike Cullen is a principal with Baker Tilly, a national accounting and advisory firm. Mike is the higher education cybersecurity and IT risk leader for the firm. For over 20 years, he has worked with a variety of higher education institutions of various size and complexity, leading myriad cybersecurity and IT assessments, audits, and advisory projects, including evaluating information privacy and cybersecurity programs, testing compliance, and performing ethical hacking. Mike has presented to a variety of audiences, including executives, technologist, and auditors, at local, regional, and national events hosted by organizations such as, ACUA, AUECO, AGB, CACUBO, EACUBO, EDUCAUSE, IIA, ISACA, NACUBO, NCURA, and SCCE. Additionally, Mike has presented numerous webinars and on-campus at many universities.

Nikki Pittman, CIA, CISA, CFE

Chief Audit Executive

University of Alaska System

Nichole Pittman was born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska. Pittman is responsible for oversight of the internal audit and institutional compliance functions for the University of Alaska System. She graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks with a B.B.A. in Accounting in 2003 and is a CIA, CISA, and CFE. Pittman began working at the System Office of Audit and Compliance Services as an assistant auditor in 2003 and held the position of information systems auditor prior to becoming the Chief Audit Executive for Audit and Compliance Services in 2008.

Auditing Student Organizations
2025-11-20 13:00 - 14:00
Auditing Student Organizations

Thursday, November 20, 2025 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET

Register Today!

Student organizations and student activities offer leadership and involvement opportunities to enhance the college experience and the students’ growth and development. These activities can often come with a variety of risks to consider including financial, safety, and reputational risks.

Colleges and universities have a unique relationship with these organizations that are affiliated but also function as a third party in many ways. Policies and guidelines established by the institution for student organizations must conform to the First Amendment of Right of Assembly and Association’s principles which give rights of free expression, assembly, and association to recognized student organizations.

This webinar will provide considerations in the areas of student organization governance, financial management, events, and travel.

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to…

Identify and assess key risks associated with student organizations.

Evaluate governance structures and internal controls related to student organizations.

Design and implement audit procedures tailored to student organizations.

Interpret audit findings and develop practical, risk-based recommendations.

Delivery Method: Group InternetField of Study: AuditingAdvance Preparation: NonePrerequisites are required: NoCost: $25 for non-membersRecommended CPEs: 1

Resources

Host Information

Aissata Sow

Internal Auditor II

Texas A&M University System

Aissata Sow is an Internal Auditor II for the System Internal Audit Department. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Economic and Social Administration and her master’s degree of Finance in Banking and Finance from University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, France in February 2017. Prior to joining the System Internal Audit team in January 2024, Aissata worked for Texas A&M University as a financial accountant.

Chesney Cote

Senior Manager

Texas A&M University System

Chesney Cote is a Senior Manager for the System Internal Audit Department. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting and her Master’s of Science degree in Management Information Systems from Texas A&M University in May 2010. Prior to joining the System Internal Audit team in July 2012, Chesney worked for Ernst & Young LLP in Houston as an IT auditor for the Advisory Services practice. Chesney is also a C.P.A., C.I.A. and C.I.S.A.

AI in Higher Education: Opportunities, Risks, and Audit Readiness
2025-12-04 13:00 - 14:00
AI in Higher Education: Opportunities, Risks, and Audit Readiness

Thursday, December 4, 2025 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET

Register Today!

This webinar, AI in Higher Education: Opportunities, Risks, and Audit Readiness, explores how artificial intelligence is transforming the academic landscape and its implications for internal audit. Participants will gain insights into the evolving role of AI in higher education, examine practical applications, and learn how to identify associated risks and implement effective controls. The session will also provide strategies to prepare for future developments, to remain compliant and audit-ready in an AI-driven environment.

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to…

Understand the role and transformation of AI in higher education

Understand practical applications and use cases for AI in Internal Audit

Identify risks and controls associated with AI and prepare for the future of AI in higher education

Delivery Method: Group InternetField of Study: Information TechnologyAdvance Preparation: NonePrerequisites are required: NoCost: $25 for non-membersRecommended CPEs: 1

Resources

Host Information

Amanda Smith

Director

CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)

Amanda is a manager with the Business Risk Services Group with over 16 years of experience, including six years with CLA and seven years at a publicly traded company. She has served as a lead financial systems analyst and SOX compliance liaison and has led internal audit and SOX compliance functions at a Fortune 500 firm. Additionally, Amanda has extensive experience in outsourced internal audit support, SOX compliance testing, SOC reporting, and risk assessments across various industries, including higher education and government services.

From Risk to Recommendations: Sharing Best Practices for Higher Education Audit Teams
2026-01-14 11:00 - 12:00
From Risk to Recommendations: Sharing Best Practices for Higher Education Audit Teams

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET

Register Today!

Have the changes to the IIA Global Standards changed expectations or operations at your institution? Are you wondering what your colleagues are doing to meet the new requirements and how they are documenting that conformance? Join the AAP subcommittee for a roundtable focused on standards 13.2 Engagement Risk Assessments, 14.2 Analysis and Potential Engagement Findings, & 15.2 Confirming the Implementation and Recommendations or Action Plans of through the lens of assurance (a.k.a. audit). Share your knowledge and gain some tips and tricks with your fellow ACUA members.

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to…

After attending this roundtable, participants will be able to: 1. Articulate expectations of the new IIA Global Standards 13.2, 14.2, & 15.2 2. Identify operational changes your organization has made, or needs to make, to conform with the new IIA Global Standards 13.2, 14.2, & 15.2 3. Plan activities specific to your institution to achieve conformance with the new IIA Global Standards 13.2, 14.2, & 15.2

Delivery Method: Group InternetField of Study: AuditingAdvance Preparation: NonePrerequisites are required: NoCost: Free for members; members onlyRecommended CPEs: 1

Resources

Download slides

Moderator Information

Patty Davidson, CFE, CIA

Director of Internal AuditBinghamton University

20+ years audit experience in Government and Corporate, 20+ years audit experience, 3 yrs in Higher Ed.

Erin Egan, CPA, CIA

Rutgers University

25 years audit and advisory experience. 9 years in public accounting. 16 years in higher education.

Jennifer Dent, CPA, CISA, CFE

University of South Florida

15+ year audit experience in Public Accounting and Government with 3 years in Higher Ed.

Agnessa Vartanova, CPA, CIA, CFE, CISA, CRMA

University of Colorado

20+ years in external and internal audit, 5 years in higher education.

John McDaniel, CPA, CIA, CISA, CRMA

University of Alabama System

20+ years of audit and operational experience in higher ed and 5 years external auditing experience.

Hollie Andrus

University of Utah

25+ years of audit experience in Government, 2.5 years in Higher Ed.

Cybersecurity – What’s New, What’s Next?
2026-01-29 13:00 - 14:00
Cybersecurity – What’s New, What’s Next?

Thursday, January 29, 2026 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET

Register Today!

Cybersecurity continues to be a key area of focus for colleges and universities. Institutions are managing ongoing risks related to ransomware, phishing, and third-party exposure, while also adapting to the growing use of cloud services and artificial intelligence. Regulatory expectations have matured. Colleges and universities are responding to a range of evolving requirements including the finalized NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0 released in 2024, and expanding state, federal, and data privacy mandates. Internal audit teams play an important role in evaluating how institutions are responding to this changing landscape.

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to…

Summarize current cybersecurity trends and risks relevant to higher education.

Identify how emerging technologies such as cloud platforms and artificial intelligence impact cyber risk.

Describe the regulatory environment affecting higher education institutions, including NIST CSF 2.0 and evolving state and local data protection requirements.

Explain internal audit’s role in supporting cybersecurity oversight and risk management.

Apply cybersecurity considerations in audit planning and stakeholder communication.

Delivery Method: Group InternetField of Study: Information TechnologyAdvance Preparation: NonePrerequisites are required: NoCost: $25 for non-membersRecommended CPEs: 1

Resources

Host Information

Nick Russell

Managing Director

Protiviti

Nick is a Managing Director based in Dallas, bringing over 15 years of internal audit and risk consulting experience to his role. He leads technology audit efforts, guiding teams to solve complex client challenges across a wide range of industries. He supports clients throughout the full internal audit lifecycle and in implementing and sustaining internal control over financial reporting (ICFR) programs. His core areas of focus include IT audit, project risk advisory services, and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance.

A recognized thought leader, Nick is a frequent public speaker on topics such as the evolving role of the internal audit advisor, project risk, emerging IT risks, and the development of the technology audit universe. In 2024, he was honored for his leadership in learning and development through the creation of a Project Risk Advisory training program, which earned a prestigious Brandon Hall Excellence Award.

Mohammed Shaikh

Protiviti

Mohammed has over ten years of experience in Internal and External Audit engagements leading Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance (SOX) engagements, SOX advisory, and managing security and operational IT Audits. Mohammed is a member of Protiviti’s higher education team and has supported client in this industry for over five years. Prior to joining Protiviti, Mohammed managed and executed IT SOX projects for multiple domestic and international clients working in an external auditor capacity at a Big 4 accounting firm.

Fraud Risk Fundamentals: Awareness, Prevention, and Mitigation Strategies
2026-03-05 13:00 - 14:00
Fraud Risk Fundamentals: Awareness, Prevention, and Mitigation Strategies

Thursday, March 5, 2026 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET

Register Today!

This session will provide a refresher on the fundamentals of fraud and the common risk factors facing higher education institutions. Participants will gain clarity on fraud risk roles and responsibilities across the institution, emphasizing shared accountability, stewardship of resources, and alignment with institutional mission and values. The session will also examine real world examples of higher education fraud, waste, and abuse and emerging trends, highlighting key lessons learned, common control breakdowns, and practical indicators of elevated risk. Attendees will strengthen their understanding of how to proactively identify, assess, and mitigate fraud risks in support of ethical operations, regulatory compliance, and long-term institutional sustainability.

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to…

Refresher on the basics of fraud and common risk factors for higher education institutions

Identify fraud risk roles and responsibilities for prevention and detection

Understand common fraud, waste, and abuse schemes in higher education through case examples and lessons learned

Delivery Method: Group InternetField of Study: AuditingAdvance Preparation: NonePrerequisites are required: NoCost: $25 for non-membersRecommended CPEs: 1

Host Information

Ashley Deihr

Principal

Baker Tilly

Ashley is a principal in Baker Tilly’s higher education practice. With nearly 20 years of experience, Ashley assists institutions to achieve strategic and financial success, optimize operational effectiveness and enhance compliance. Ashley drives innovation through strategic and enterprise risk assessments, internal audit and compliance reviews and investigations and business process reviews. She has assisted clients in developing and reengineering infrastructures, governance practices, internal controls and business processes to mitigate risk and enhance efficiency, effectiveness and compliance in such areas as budgeting and resource management, financial management and reporting, sponsored research administration, compliance governance, student support and wellbeing and international operations. Ashley is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Internal Auditor, and a Certified Fraud Examiner.

Will Hoffer

ManagerBaker Tilly

Will is a Manager in Baker Tilly’s Risk Advisory practice with over 7 years of experience serving higher education institutions, not for profit organizations, and government contractors. He leads outsourced and co sourced internal audit engagements, helping institutions strengthen governance, risk management, and internal controls. Will facilitates enterprise and fraud risk assessments and has extensive experience conducting investigations for colleges and universities. He specializes in helping institutions identify, assess, and mitigate fraud risk in alignment with their mission and regulatory requirements. He frequently presents at industry conferences on fraud related topics and is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).

The Benefits of ACUA: Hear directly from our ACUA leaders
2026-03-12 14:00 - 15:00
The Benefits of ACUA: Hear directly from our ACUA leaders

Thursday, March 12, 2026 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET

Register Today!

Join us for our New Member Webinar series highlighting the benefits of ACUA and hear directly from our ACUA leaders (President – Nichole Pittman, Vice President – Jana Phelps, Secretary & Treasurer – Eulonda Whitmore, and Immediate Past President – Laura Buchhorn). You’ll learn more about the benefits of being part of ACUA and hear firsthand how the organization has shaped their professional journey and what ACUA resources they find handy and use in their institutions — a testament to the lasting impact we hope to make in the lives and careers of each of our members. The second half of the session will be an interactive Q&A — a chance for new and prospective members to ask questions, share perspectives, and learn how to make the most of your membership.

Participants will be able to…

Hear directly from our ACUA Leaders and learn more about the benefits of being part of ACUA.

Delivery Method: Group InternetField of Study: Personal DevelopmentAdvance Preparation: NonePrerequisites are required: NoCost: Free for members and non-membersRecommended CPEs: 0

Moderator Information

Nichole Pittman

ACUA President

Jana Phelps

ACUA Vice President

Eulonda Whitmore

ACUA Secretary & Treasurer

Laura Buchhorn

ACUA Immediate Past President

2026 ACUA Virtual Spring Summit
2026-03-24 07:00 - 2026-03-26 17:00
The 2026 ACUA Virtual Spring Summit is March 24 – 26, 2026. This three-day professional education event, designed to deliver 18 CPE hours across three dynamic tracks, will be a platform for higher education internal auditors from across the country to share their expertise and learn from each other.

Learn More & Register Now

From Risk to Recommendations: Part II (Conforming to Standards Domain V for Advisory Services)
2026-04-15 13:00 - 14:00
From Risk to Recommendations: Part II (Conforming to Standards Domain V for Advisory Services)

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET

Register Today!

Continue the conversation with ACUA’s Auditing and Accounting Principles sub-committee. How does your internal audit function conform with Domain V of the Standards when performing advisory services? Join us in several breakout discussions exchanging experiences with your peers.

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to…

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to

Plan activities specific to your institution to achieve conformance with the new IIA Global Standards 13.2, 14.2, & 15.2 when performing advisory services.

Articulate expectations of the new IIA Global Standards 13.2-Engagement Risk Assessments, 14.2-Analysis and Potential Engagement Findings, and 15.2-Confirming the Implementation and Recommendations or Action Plans when performing advisory services.

Identify operational changes your organization has made, or needs to make, to conform with the new IIA Global Standards 13.2, 14.2, & 15.3 when performing advisory services.

Delivery Method: Group InternetField of Study: AuditingAdvance Preparation: NonePrerequisites are required: NoCost: Free for members; members onlyRecommended CPEs: 1

Resources

Moderator Information

Jennifer Dent, CPA, CISA, CFE

University of South Florida

15+ year audit experience in Public Accounting and Government with 3 years in Higher Ed.

Erin Egan, CPA, CIA

Rutgers University

25 years audit and advisory experience. 9 years in public accounting. 16 years in higher education.

Susie Geiger

The University of Kansas

4 years in higher education internal auditing.

Melissa Primus, CPA, CIA

Minnesota State

25+ years in audit and advisory in higher education and 4 years of external auditing experience.

John McDaniel, CPA, CIA, CISA, CRMA

University of Alabama System

20+ years of audit and operational experience in higher ed and 5 years external auditing experience.

Endpoint Security
2026-04-23 13:00 - 14:00
Endpoint Security

Thursday, April 23, 2026 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET

Register Today!

Endpoint security is vital for higher education institutions due to diverse devices, including university-owned systems, personal devices, research tools, and IoT, all accessing sensitive data. Weak security can lead to breaches, data theft, and operational disruption. This audit program evaluates endpoint security controls to protect confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information assets. It offers flexibility for comprehensive or targeted audits based on institutional needs. Key risk areas include malware, unpatched software, access management, data exfiltration, inadequate monitoring, device loss, phishing, shadow IT, BYOD/BYOC, open-source tools, and IoT. Addressing these ensures resilience against traditional and emerging cyber threats.

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to…

Understand the importance of endpoint security in higher education.

Identify common endpoint risks and vulnerabilities.

Assess the effectiveness of endpoint security controls.

Apply flexible audit methodologies based on institutional needs.

Delivery Method: Group InternetField of Study: Information TechnologyAdvance Preparation: MaterialsPrerequisites are required: NoCost: $25 for non-membersRecommended CPEs: 1

Resources

Host Information

Mayur Patel

Director, IT Audit

Columbia University

I am a senior technology and risk executive with over 20 years of experience leading enterprise technology, cybersecurity, and governance functions across higher education, financial services, and publicly traded organizations. My career has focused on aligning technology strategy with institutional and business objectives while maintaining strong operational discipline, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

I currently serve as Director of Information Technology Audit at Columbia University, where I provide enterprise-wide oversight of technology governance, cybersecurity, and control environments supporting complex academic and financial operations. I work closely with senior leadership to enhance technology resilience, modernize processes, and improve risk visibility across critical systems.

Previously, I have held leadership roles at Yext, Panasonic, Vonage, and Prudential Financial, advising executive management and boards on technology risk, cloud security, regulatory readiness, and large-scale transformation initiatives. My experience spans infrastructure, application development, cloud platforms, vendor management, and business continuity.

I hold a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, and I maintain multiple industry certifications including CISSP, CISM, CISA, and CRISC.

AuditCon 2026
2026-09-27 08:00 - 2026-10-01 17:00 | Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, 500 Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70130, United States
Save the Date for AuditCon 2026!
